Every day On most days, our Vikings reporters walk you through what's happening that day.
Finally, the Vikings are breaking out the pads.
The first two days of Camp Zimmer felt like a couple of spring workouts with the players in shells doing non-contact drills. But things will heat up in Mankato today with the first full-padded practice of Zimmer's tenure. We in the media are certainly excited to see some contact, and that anticipation pales in comparison to what the coaching staff is feeling. During his news conference yesterday, Vikings defensive coordinator George Edwards pointed out at least a half dozen times that he couldn't draw too many conclusions about players and competitions until he saw them in pads.
That doesn't mean there will be huge hits left and right. Zimmer -- who must walk the line between running an aggressive, physical camp and keeping his players healthy -- said he wants it to be "thud" contact only, not tackling to the ground. Oh, and "Adrian won't get tackled," he added.
Still, with the players in pads starting today, we'll start to see guys distinguish themselves.
WHAT YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED
--- Whether he is saying it publicly or not, Teddy Bridgewater is preparing to be the guy.
--- Adrian Peterson's pass protection is being praised by the new staff.
